Federal Crimes

A federal criminal attorney is only as good as their experience defending their clients in federal court. Criminal law expertise is important, certainly. But simply quoting legal principles will not be enough if the attorney doesn’t have experience defending clients against federal criminal charges. Without experience within a federal court system at reducing or discharging federal charges, an attorney presenting himself or herself as a “federal criminal defense lawyer” will find that they are unable to deliver the same results that they were able to product in local jurisdictions. Just like anything else, practice makes perfect. But do you want to be someone’s practice case?

In order to develop the skills necessary to defend federal criminal charges for a client, a lawyer has to put in years of practice working on federal felony cases. Unlike many of our competitors, our team of attorneys has an outstanding track record working for our clients. Our federal criminal lawyers have been all over the United States and the globe to handle federal charges, such as computer crimes (hacking), cyber terrorism, identity theft, drug trafficking, and bribery. In fact, our firm is probably most famous for handling the UN “Oil for Food” bribery case. Having a federal crimes lawyer with experience such as ours gives you the luxury of being able to sleep at night because your criminal defense attorney has been there, done that, and got the CNN byline.

In order to truly bill yourself as a federal criminal attorney you simply have to put time in the U.S. courts.

Criminal Law: Federal vs. New York State

If accused of perpetrating a federal crime in New York, that you allegedly violated a federal law, and will be indicted in a federal court in New York State. Federal courts typically bring more severe punishments than New York State law violations. Therefore, it is vital that those accused by the Feds consult with an experienced lawyer in New York, well-informed on federal crimes and the penalties for these offenses. It is vital to hire an experienced attorney who has knowledge of New York laws, and possibly move the case to state court instead of federal court.

Federal Charges Process: Indictment, Arraignment, Courts

When charged with breaking a federal law, there are many different touch points in the legal process. As they can vary from step to step, there is no standby for the guidance of an experienced federal criminal attorney.

The beginning step in the process is the complaint, followed by the issuing of an arrest warrant followed by the actual arrest. The prosecutor will issue a complaint, which includes the reasons, or allegations, for a charge and likely cause for the government to arrest the alleged offender. Following the apprehension, the offender will then make an initial appearance before a judge. At this step, the judge will determine if there is enough evidence to indict the individual, to inform the alleged offender of his fundamental rights, and to set bond. At this step of the process, the individual charged will also want to retain an attorney.

A hearing to decide if the offender should be let out on bond is generally held within 72 hours of arrest.
Within 10 days of the arrest, a hearing in a federal Court will occur for the prosecutor to show evidence that the accused committed the crime.A federal defense lawyer can also put on evidence negating probable cause. The U.S. prosecuting attorney can choose to file an indictment instead of a complaint. In this situation, the prosecuting attorney initially presents the evidence to the grand jury. The grand jury in the end decides whether to indict a federal criminal case.

The case will then go to trial, unless a plea agreement is reached. The U.S. prosecutor must show that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The sentenced will be punished by the court if found guilty. Sentences can include jail time, probation, fines, or any combination.

The final stage is an appeal. The offender must file a Notice of Appeal within ten days after being sentenced. Be careful when making plea deals – they may necessitate the defendant to give up his right to appeal. An experienced federal defense attorney is needed to help make sure rights are protected during the plea bargain.

Who Investigates Federal Crimes

Different government agencies examine various crimes. A few of the agencies are the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The FBI is a central agency that has authority over a variety of federal crimes.

When accused of breaking a federal statute or law, contact the Bukh Law Firm to talk about the crucial facts of your circumstance, and your defense options. Arkady Bukh is one of the best federal criminal lawyers in the nation, who will provide you with a free consultation about your alleged federal charges.

Many crimes can be handled under federal or state law. The first step must be to retain an experienced New York criminal attorney who has knowledge of New York laws and can work to have the charges moved to state court.

Top Rated Criminal Lawyer

Arkady Bukh has a long track record of representing clients accused of serious federal and state crimes in NYC

Federal Crimes

1. Federal Drug Charges

In the American Judicial system, state laws have a large area of responsibility when it comes to enforcing criminal drug laws. The federal government gets involved in many areas as well, especially in the cases of drug trafficking. The result is the jurisdictions will often overlap required the agencies to coordinate the investigation if someone is charged for a drug crime. It is conceivable for someone to be charged initially at the state level and, at a later time, the federal level.

2. Weapons

Federal-level weapon charges normally include difference offenses including the possession and use of firearms. Sometimes, merely being in possession of a gun is enough to trigger felony weapon charges, especially if the accused is a convicted felon or does not have a license.

3. White Collar Crime

First coined in 1939, white collar crime is a label which covers the entire variety of fraud committed by government and business professionals. White collar crime charges are among the hardest to defend and beat. Usually, the defense is a realm of first-class white collar criminal attorneys who have the experience and expertise to deal with the cases of this magnitude.

4. Computer Hacking

Computer hacking, or cyber crime, is the natural next step with the growth of the internet and the increasing use of digital life-managers. Cybercrime is any criminal act that involves a computer – either as the source of the crime or crime’s target.

5. Counterfeiting

Counterfeiting is the crime of creating a product with the intention to imitate another and describes the forgery of currency in addition to the imitation of clothing, shoes, auto parts and other products. Counterfeiting has caused the deaths of many individuals to to fake and faulty tangible goods and has wiped out fortunes with bogus documents.

6. Harassment

Harassment deals with a variety of behaviors; all of them offensive. A repetitive behavior meant to upset, harassment rises to the level of a felony when the behavior crosses state lines or includes of interstate communications.

7. Kidnapping

Kidnapping is the illegal transportation of a person against that individual’s will. Often committed for ransom, parental kidnapping is also prevalent in child custody disputes.

8.Obstruction of Justice

In America, obstruction of justice deals with the obstruction of police work, investigations, and regulatory agencies. Normally, obstruction accusations arise when investigators discover that an individual questioned during an investigation has misled the investigating officers. Obstruction charges may also be placed if an individual destroys or attempts to conceal physical evidence.

9. Terrorism

A word that is politically charged and emotionally loaded, terrorism uses acts that create fear and are carried out with a desire to advance a religious, political or ideological goal. Practiced by a variety of organizations, terrorism has been used by right-wing and left-wing groups, religious groups, revolutionaries and seated governments. Terrorism as a symbol exploits human fears to achieve goals. If you face any terrorism related charge, immediately call a federal criminal defense lawyer from Bukh Law Firm, who will advise of your rights and possible proceedings.

10. Conspiracy

Conspiracy, as a felony, is an understanding and agreement, between individuals, to carry out a criminal act at some point in the future. Conspiracy law typically does not require authorities prove specific intent by the accused. Typically, the law merely requires that the co-defendants have agreed to perform an illicit act.

11. Federal Charges Enticing a Minor

Child pornography exploits children for sexual stimulation and gratification. Child pornography typically includes a range of media including writings, images, sculptures, painting, and even video games. Ninety-three nations have made porn illegal. Federal Penal Code stipulates severe punishment and lengthy prison terms for such offenses. Therefore, it is recommended that you call Arkady Bukh – a federal criminal attorney in New York with global expertise in defending offenses like this.

Those are but some of the more “serious” and well-known FEDERAL OFFENSES. Hate crimes, including name-calling where an individual felt threatened, are also designated as Fed crimes. Crimes committed while on an Indian reservation are Fed crimes. Even the theft of art from a museum is considered a Fed crime. In general, Federal crimes are those that affect or can have an effect on individuals or entities beyond the boundaries of the state itself—even philosophically as is the case with Civil Rights violations.

Expungement

Expungement is the process involving the sealing of arrest and court records. Every state has laws that permit individuals to expunge arrests and permit the individual whose record has been expunged to refrain from disclosing the offense and/or conviction to potential employers. In New York, an arrest record can be sealed if the case ended in the accused’s favor such as the charges being dismissed, dropped or vacated.

Noncriminal offenses, i.e., traffic violations, can be sealed. Drug conviction may be sealed once the individual has satisfactorily completed an approved treatment program.

Felony convictions can not be expunged in New York.

Why Do You Need the Top Federal Crimes Lawyer?

If you’ve been charged by U.S. District Attorney you will need as many resources and subject matter experts as possible at your disposal. The government has resources beyond what local or state officials can muster, and they will come after you to the full extent of the law.

But we can help.

Federal charges are no joke. The Feds have a long arm and deep wallets. When they come for you it’s with mountains of evidence and the very best of prosecutors. The federal crimes lawyers in our office understand this. We know that the US Justice Department doesn’t make a move until they believe that whatever federal charges they have will stick. Every federal criminal attorney knows that he has to be just as prepared, just as precise as the Feds and twice as confident. Federal defense attorneys must go in with as much confidence as the prosecutor on the other side of the aisle because in addition to evidence and court room expertise, they must also play a game of psychological chess. Knowing when to fight and when to cooperate is important. A federal criminal defense lawyer must be able to push the Feds to the point where they are uncertain of their own case before they will even begin to put forth a reasonable offer.

And that’s where the real work begins.

Our firm is one of the few New York defense attorneys who have a designated practice area for Federal crimes.

After your federal crimes lawyer has secured a reasonable first offer, he or she is then positioned to proceed with the real tough stuff. That’s where your federal attorney begins to earn his or her money. He or she must write motions, create a forensic approach, perform research, and then build your criminal defense. Lawyers must explore the evidence found in discovery, look for mitigating circumstances, ways to suppress evidence, throw out testimony, etc. A federal defense lawyer will have to engage witnesses, perhaps even coach them in preparation for taking the stand. A good federal criminal lawyer must also know when to say “when” and to have the expertise and confidence that will enable you to trust in his better judgment. Here at the Law Office of Bukh Law Firm, PLLC we believe we have all that. Our record for producing highly skilled and experienced defense attorneys is unmatched. Check our record through the public courts system and see for yourself. When you need the very best federal criminal attorney, call us (212) 729-1632.